Wind Turbine Vortex Generator Tape for Easier Blade Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vortex generators for wind turbine blades are cumbersome to install, especially at the tip region, require complex manufacturing, and are not easily reproducible, leading to high costs and installation challenges.

Innovation Solution

A vortex generator tape with integrally formed protrusions on an elongate base part, allowing for easy installation by cutting to desired length and adhering directly to the blade, eliminating the need for additional mounting means and facilitating mass production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional vortex generators are used, then aerodynamic performance can be improved, but installation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual vortex generators are merged into a single continuous tape structure with integrally formed protrusions. The tape can be cut to desired length and adhered in one piece, eliminating the need to install multiple separate generators one by one, thus significantly reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining the aerodynamic functionality of multiple vortex generators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tape is designed with multiple discrete protrusions spaced along its length, allowing it to be cut to specific lengths to install the exact number of vortex generators needed at different blade locations. This segmentation enables flexible configuration while maintaining ease of installation as a single continuous component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of moving object

If vortex generator dimensions are reduced for tip region installation, then space constraints are met, but manufacturing precision and reproducibility become challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevortex generator sizeVSAvoidreproducibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple small vortex generators are combined into a single tape structure with integrally formed protrusions. This allows small dimensions to be achieved at the blade tip while the integral formation ensures consistent spacing and dimensions throughout the tape, improving manufacturing precision and reproducibility compared to installing individual small generators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion height and spacing can be varied along the length of the tape to match different blade section requirements. This allows optimization for specific locations (shallower at tip, deeper at root) while maintaining consistent manufacturing processes and high reproducibility through integral formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If additional mounting means are used for conventional vortex generators, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmounting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive mounting function is merged directly into the tape base part itself. The base part is designed with adhesive properties that allow direct attachment to the blade surface, eliminating the need for separate mounting bars, brackets, or fastening mechanisms, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining secure attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tape is designed to be self-adhering through its base part, which inherently possesses adhesive capabilities. This self-service mounting mechanism eliminates the need for additional mounting hardware and simplifies installation to a single adhering operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates efficient, cost-effective, and reproducible installation of vortex generators, particularly at the tip region, enhancing aerodynamic performance with reduced handling complexity and production costs.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of protrusions each for generating vortices during the operation of the wind turbine blade

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex generation: Vortex Generator

Implementation Method 2

an elongate base part comprising an inner side configured for being adhered to the outer surface of the wind turbine blade

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12535049B2Vortex generator tape for a wind turbine blade and method of manufacture and attachment thereof

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 LM WIND POWER AS

AI summary

A vortex generator tape for installation on an outer surface of a wind turbine blade, the vortex generator comprising an elongate base part comprising an inner side configured for being adhered to the outer surface of the wind turbine blade, and an outer side arranged opposite to the inner side; and a plurality of protrusions each for generating vortices during the operation of the wind turbine blade, wherein each protrusion protrudes from the outer side of the base part and is spaced apart from every other protrusion along the base part; wherein the plurality of protrusions is formed integrally with the base part.